Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Children in Habanyia City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major global public health concern, particularly affecting infants and young children. This is the first public study in Habanyai city to estimate the prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia among children. Objectives: To study the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among children from 1 month to five years in Habanyia city, Iraq. Study the demographic distribution of patients and some possible related risk factors. Material and Method: A cross-sectional community-based study done on children from one month to five years in Habanyia city in the period from the first of January 2026 to the 10 March 2026. A special well-trained staff was sent for houses belonging to all health centers of Habania sectors, blood was taken from all children who fit the criteria of this study and a complete blood picture and serum ferritin tests were done. A child was regarded as having iron deficiency anemia in this study if serum hemoglobin below 11 g/dL, MCV was below 80, and serum ferritin was below 12 μg/L. Data collected for all studied children about age, gender, maternal level of education, economic status of the family and residence. Result: The prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia among children was 18.4%. Boys were slightly non-significantly more prevalent than girls. The lower age group was significantly more prevalent. Low maternal educational level and low economic status of the families were recorded as risk factors, while residence was not. Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia was reported among children in this study. Educational sessions and TV programs for families about this problem is recommended.